Obituary of John Pember

John Roger Pember ~ January 5, 1935 – January 13, 2011 ~ Passed away holding hands with his wife of 37 years, Sandra (nee Hamilton) and daughter, Beth. He will be greatly missed by son-in-law Martin Champoux and grandchildren Alexandre, Olivier and Lily. He is survived by his sisters Maggie (Carl Springstead) and Anne (Steve Raymer) and brother Fred Pember (Bev), sisters-in-law Alice Pember and Yvonne Pember and brother-in-law Keith Armstrong. He is predeceased by his mother Laura (nee Hall) and father William, sisters Libby Pember and Dorothy Armstrong, and brothers Joe Pember and Larry Pember. A wise child once said that Grandpa is a spirit now and will always be with us. John was a proud husband, father and grandfather and would often regale friends and family of their achievements. A veteran of the Korea War, he was active in both the Royal Canadian Legion and the Korea Veterans Association ensuring that Canadians remembered the actions of our soldiers in Korea. The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. G.W. Jones, Dr. C. Rinne, the 3rd floor Cardiology team at St. Mary’s Hospital, the Pharmacy staff at Grand River Hospital, the nurses and case managers at the CCAC and the case managers at Veteran's Affairs Canada. Friends and family are invited to share their memories of John during visitation at Dreisinger Funeral Home in Elmira on Sunday, January 16, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Trinity United Church, Elmira on Monday, January 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Jagger officiating followed by cremation. The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 469 Elmira will assemble for a memorial service at the funeral home on Sunday evening at 6:45 p.m. Interment of cremated remains will be held at a later date at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Poppy Fund of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 469 or Community Care Concepts. Service Summary Visitation: Sunday, January 16, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home with a Legion service at 6:45 p.m. ~ Funeral Service: Monday, January 17, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Trinity United Church, 21 Arthur St. N., Elmira ~ Donations: Poppy Fund of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 469 (11 First St. E., PO Box 123, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z5) or Community Care Concepts (28A South St. W., Elmira, ON N3B 1K8)